The Voice of the People Party (VPP) expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the recent deluge in Garo Hills. The loss of seventeen precious lives, including a father and his minor son, as well as the mother-daughter duo buried by a landslide, is a somber reminder of the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructural resilience in our state. As the people of Garo Hills continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of these natural calamities, we commend the efforts of the local authorities, including the disaster management personnel, who have been working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected communities. However, we are concerned about the delayed recovery efforts in certain areas, especially where villages remain cut off due to damaged infrastructure and poor connectivity.
While the administration has started to distribute relief, it is clear that much more needs to be done. The VPP urges the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, led by the NPP, to take this opportunity to reflect on the gaps in disaster response mechanisms, which have left many citizens vulnerable and isolated in their time of need. The continued lack of adequate communication and transport facilities in some of the worst-affected districts, such as South Garo Hills, highlights the failure of successive governments to invest in sustainable infrastructure that can withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
The VPP calls for:
- Immediate enhancement of relief efforts to ensure that no affected family is left without support, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
- Comprehensive infrastructural upgrades in Garo Hills, including better road connectivity, bridge construction, and flood defense systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
- A thorough review of disaster preparedness protocols to ensure rapid and effective response during emergencies, with special attention to early warning systems and evacuation measures.
The VPP stands in solidarity with the people of Garo Hills during this difficult time and will continue to advocate for their well-being, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
